Early Childhood Assistant

Little Sprouts Academy; Glendive (MT); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid time off (up to 2 weeks annually)

Job summary

Little Sprouts Academy in Glendive, Montana seeks a compassionate Lead Teacher to plan engaging, age-appropriate lessons and foster a warm, nurturing classroom where children grow physically, emotionally, socially, academically and spiritually.

The role features a biblically-based, play-based curriculum and requires a high school diploma or GED, CPR certification, immunization compliance, and strong communication with families and staff. Hours are 7:30 am–5:30 pm with paid holidays and PTO.

Qualifications

• Must be a high school graduate (or GED/Hi-SET).
• CPR certification required (infant, child, and adult) with hands-on training.
• Willing to complete early childhood orientation trainings.
• Clear, timely communication with a wide range of people.
• Sensitivity to individual children's needs and faith alignment with the Academy.
• All staff must meet immunization requirements or approved exemptions and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate lessons and activities aligned with progress indicators.
• Use assessment data to guide instruction and tailor approaches.
• Daily integrate biblical truth into classroom instruction.
• Follow schedules and collaborate with other staff.
• Communicate with parents daily at pick-up/drop-off and via newsletters.
• Lead by example in on-site activities and participate in staff meetings.
• Maintain classroom housekeeping and care for materials.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• HOURS:** Shifts vary between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm
• WAGE:** $14-$16 per hour
• LEAVE:** Paid Holidays and up to 2 weeks annually of Paid Time Off
• Summary of Position:** A Little Sprouts and Harvest Christian Academy (LSA/HCA) Teacher is responsible for planning and teaching lessons, communicating with parents, and providing a warm and nurturing environment where children can grow physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.
• Mission:** Our mission is to show the love of Jesus to everyone who enters our school and to provide high quality, play-based and hands-on education rooted in best practices to meet children's physical, social, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs. LSA/HCA promotes and teaches Christian values through a developmentally-appropriate curriculum, supports parents and children, and fosters a partnership with the greater community.
• Vision: ** Our vision is to foster a culture in which lives are transformed through the way we educate, nurture, love, and serve by establishing flourishing connections between our staff and families along with the greater Glendive community.
• Values:** Our values reflect what is most important to us and are critical in shaping an ideal work culture and learning environment. In all that we do, then, we strive to exhibit the following values:
• Purposeful, integrity-based, service-minded business operations
• Loving, nurturing, trustworthy, personal relationships with families and the community
• High-quality, play-based, holistic, instructional activities

Goals

• To provide a safe and stimulating environment that nurtures each child's natural wonder
• To emphasize a biblically-based worldview that includes the importance of fully loving, faithfully serving, and wholeheartedly following Jesus
• To facilitate an enjoyable learning experience and model a positive attitude toward school which will allow the children to be rooted in confidence and skill for any future experience
• To acknowledge families as the first and most important teachers, while developing a partnership to support them on their journey

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a high school graduate (or have obtained a GED/Hi-SET)
• Must be willing to complete a current certification for infant, child, and adult CPR and infant choking response, and standard first aid. CPR certification must be completed in a hands-on setting.
• Must be willing to complete the required early childhood teacher orientation trainings
• Must be able to communicate in a clear and timely manner, with a wide range of people
• Must exhibit an awareness of and sensitivity to individual children's needs
• Must agree with and be willing to be held accountable to the Academy's statements of faith and Christian community
• Must demonstrate consistent, biblical, love and care for children and their families
• PLEASE NOTE: *All* staff members must meet state immunization requirements (or submit the approved exemptions) for child care center employees, have appropriate background checks, and sign a health attestation

Job Responsibilities

• Plan age-appropriate lessons and activities that align with early indicators of progress
• Utilize assessment information to guide instruction and individualized approaches
• Daily integrate biblical truth into all areas of the classroom and aspects of instruction
• Follow coordinated schedules and collaborate with other staff
• Teach students to take care of the equipment and materials used in the classroom
• Attend and actively participate in all scheduled and impromptu staff meetings
• Collaborate with other teachers to foster continuity and consistency at LSA
• Communicate with parents daily at pick-up or drop-off, through newsletters, etc.
• Carry out assigned share of daily and weekly h usekeeping responsibilities
• Without exception, treat each child and their family members with dignity and respect
• Use a positive, proactive, consistent approach to classroom management

Additional Lead Teacher Responsibilities

• Follow assigned curricula and lesson plan according to guidelines
• Use discretion in delegating tasks to the assistant teacher in the classroom
• Work with leadership team to create and follow coordinated schedules
• Assume a leadership position in large group activities and events
• Be a lead staff on site when the Director isn't present
• Provide insight and collaborative solutions for efficient daily program operation
• Exercise excellent judgment that considers licensing and program standards

Continuing Education Requirements

• In order to maintain certification, must complete 16 hours of approved training annually